DIY: Cabin air filter removal
By: ColinM14
January 13th, 2013
6:35 am
Ok guys, it's been a while since I changed mine so I figured I'd do a DIY on how to replace your cabin air filter.
A cabin air filter is a filter placed on top of your blower motor to filter out any harmful or unwanted debris from getting to you when you turn on the heat or ac (fans in general). After reading you'll be able to save money and ensure your actually getting the work you pay for! It's a cheap and simple procedure.
Symptoms of a bad air filter or clogged filter could be :
-Noise
-Bad smell
-Low fan speeds
-Etc
1. Find your glove box
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2. Open the glovebox and remove its contents.
3. There are two retaining tabs on both sides, you'll need to push in the sides of the glovebox where I point to. When you push in the sides of glovebox in, the tabs will release the glovebox from the dash.
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4. The glovebox can now be removed.
5. Locate the cabin air filter door. Shown where I'm pointing.
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6. Pull the door out towards you, the drawer that holds the filter will slide out.
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13 comments on "DIY: Cabin air filter removal"
January 13, 2013 at 6:44 am
7. now that the filter drawer is removed, remove the air filter. compare the new one to the old one to ensure you have the same one. as you can see mine NEEDED to be replaced.
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8. place the new air filter flat side down in the drawer and make sure it slips under the tabs on both sides to hold it in place. place the widest flat part on the left and right sides.
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9. now take the drawer with new filter and slide it back into place. make sure the writing on the drawer where it says "UP" is facing up. you'll have a little trouble getting around the glove box locking metal tab so just be patient and you'll get under it.
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January 13, 2013 at 6:52 am
10. slide the drawer all the way in until it clips into place.
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11. Re install your glove box, first line up the bottom tabs. once that is in place lift the glovebox up and the side tabs will pop back into place.
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12. sit back and enjoy the satisfaction! your done!
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Hope you guys enjoy the write up! its a simple and easy way to help maintain your vehicle!
January 13, 2013 at 7:25 am
The pics were a good idea, too. I bet more than a few folks are looking today to see how dirty that filter is.. Thanks for posting.-Bob
January 13, 2013 at 7:45 am
!Forgot to mention!
<<<<<SAFETY WARNING>>>>>
If you have bad allergies please where gloves and or face mask when removing. this air filter will be FULL OF POLLEN!
So just be careful, don't sniff it, touch your eyes, or breath in it, and dispose of the old filter properly. then wash your hands after.
January 13, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Nice write up! Don't be suprised to open the filter drawer and there is no filter in it. Most xb1 never came with a filter. It is a good idea to install one though.
January 13, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Yep don't be suprised. Mine had one my moms didn't. Same year. I have bad allergies and asthma so I put one in both. And it won't restrict your air flow.
January 13, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Nice write up! Don't be suprised to open the filter drawer and there is no filter in it. Most xb1 never came with a filter. It is a good idea to install one though.
apparently Denzo is the OEM brand... that seem right? anyone go with a different option?
January 13, 2013 at 4:54 pm
It is also only in the airstream during fresh air mode and not during recirc mode.
January 13, 2013 at 5:11 pm
That's nuts that some don't come with it. also pretty dumb that it isn't always in use.
January 13, 2013 at 6:24 pm
TYC is an OEM brand for several cars, though I'm not sure if they do Toyota AS an OEM, and filters can be had on Amazon.
Amazon prime is boss.